KDSS worth the cost?

The Pro phenomenon is a force for sure. They do have a nicer grill.

 

If you're looking for a compromise, the Ironman 4x4 suspension dramatically reduced body roll, and the level 3 included an adjustable panhard bar and extended, adjustable sway bar links. I did check it against my old 4Runner I sold to a friend, I ended up with about 1" longer travel, and that was at the shortest adjustment. I ended up leaving it there and then extending the brake lines, because I was a little concerned about over extending. The shock, which is longer than the factory shock, would likely still be the limit of the suspension droop, followed by swaybar links, then lower control arms. But for the sake of OEM Stock stuff, you'd want the swaybar to max out first. Maxxing a shock will likely cause damage.

 

Yes. KDSS is a bargain. Makes a positive change in the feel and function of the vehicle. Great in all non-radical conditions.

 

At the risk of getting accused of being a troll here -- and getting a well deserved -- I vote for XREAS

Ok ok, I'm not a real off roader so my opinion ain't worth much. But it might actually be helpful to the OP to consider that XREAS could be the more effective system if his concern is actually body roll and brake dive. If the OP isn't really going to do serious off roading, he might benefit from going through the process that I went through. Or at least thinking through it.

I almost bought a ORP with KDSS, but COVID hit and it sold before I could pull the trigger. I then decided to get another ORP, and none in my area had KDSS. But when I test drove the Limited, cause my wife wanted the leather and lux features, I realized how much more civilized it was on road than the ORP with or without KDSS. I'm so glad she pushed me to consider a model that wasn't even on my radar. XREAS in daily use, braking in traffic or going around corners, is a night and day difference. Just sayin (and now I run for cover lol)

 

I didn't know what KDSS was when I bought my 4Runner.
That being said - I'm 6'4 and didn't want a sunroof that ate headroom. From what I've seen most ORP's with KDSS have sunroofs.

My Eibach Pro Truck Lift solved the horrible body sway and nose dive on braking of the Non-KDSS Off Road.

 

I wouldn't say your opinion isn't worth hearing. XREAS is a pretty cool system as well.

The problem with XREAS is that it's not compatible with any aftermarket suspension. Of course, if you plan on keeping the stock suspension, that's no big deal. But, what also kinda sucks is that once the original shocks wear out, you'll pay a premium to replace them. Or, like many, you'll junk the XREAS altogether and go with aftermarket suspension.

You are correct that KDSS doesn't help with nose dive. But, it does reduce body roll, which was important to me. I wasn't concerned about nose dive as I knew I would e replacing the shocks eventually anyway.

 

There aren't as many offroaders here as they would want you to believe, your opinion is worth as much as the rest of us.

 

Said it better than I did!

 

Hey my street is being resealed, they just roughed up the top layer. So I offroad now.

 

This quote is worthy to be used as a forum sig!!

 

This thread is great -- I got hung up on an ORP with KDSS and did A LOT of reading on it -- and in the end, figured that the thing is a truck and will definitely handle better than my 2007 Ford Ranger. I did fall for the Pro, but I'm just not a dedicated tinkerer -- and I know this after trying to mod motorcycles over the last 20 years -- and not having the patience for everything that invariably needs attention. I also figured it was yet another system that could go wrong -- not that it would necessarily, but that it could, 20 years from now. Because I'm not selling this thing once I get it.

 

We have 2 4runners. My wife has the 2020 TRD ORP, I have the 2021 TRD ORP with KDSS. Having driven both now, KDSS is awesome! It very much changes the way the whole vehicle handles and is much more enjoyable in the mountains, and generally everywhere.

 

Never been in a 4Runner with KDSS, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn once.

In all seriousness, KDSS must be amazing if it’s worth the $4,000 P + L cost of repair when it goes south.

I’ll go back under my rock of nonKDSS ignorance and bliss now.

 

Same here, no KDSS for me as well.

As for the XREAS, its comfy but Limited sits too low for my preference so XREAS went in trash when my limited had only few hundred miles on the clock.

 

It is! I believe it's an amazing option for certain owners. This would be folks who will use the 4runner for road trips and daily driving as well as off-road. It effectively behaves as a sway bar disconnect in off-camber situations, while also providing reduced body-roll in normal driving. There's really nothing else like it.

That said, it's not ideal for anyone looking to build a rock crawler or do a long travel setup, as you would likely eliminate the sway bars in those scenarios anyway.

Also, folks who do very little or no off-road driving might not benefit from the added flex, and might find that the standard sway bars are fine for them.

So, it's not for everyone. But, it's a very cool feature for some.

 

@FJ_4runner why paying 1700 its only $1000 add on , KDSS is best if you leave your vehicle stock and if you want lift in future better if you stay on 2 inch Max Lift
its good On Road and Off road , specially it control body roll .
i have it and i love it

 

Good call ThatBassGuy, I also debated between the Pro vs ORP. Found a ORP with KDSS and the XP package so I pulled the trigger. (XP gets the Pro Grille, blacked out emblems and Pro Wheels). Only 1700 miles in so far, but I am enjoying the ride. I am adding a 1.5 Billstein front lift to remove the stock rake. LowCountry 4x4 confirmed no issues with KDSS install. Happy I have it.

 

I’ll have to test drive a KDSS equipped 4R to see what all the fuss is about. Unless any local member wants to let me get behind the wheel?

 

@NotaTRD please go to following site and schedule
https://www.buyatoyota.com/gst/schedule-a-test-drive/

 

@irfan0922 Eh, might get around to it one day just to say I did, but not in any hurry.

 

Barely over a year ago, I snatched up the only KDSS ORP that’s reasonably close to me at a decent price. My second best decision made - right behind in choosing to buy a 4Runner!

 

For anyone debating KDSS due to any lift installation issues, don't. I purchased my 2019 OR in Sept 2019, knowing it had KDSS, and picked it for the benefits. When I later decided to lift the front with Eibach struts, I researched endlessly, it seems. I was reluctant to try it myself due to the KDSS being involved. I had all the parts in, and a shop scheduled to install my struts & shocks. Then the pandemic had me sitting at home, and the shop scheduled out for weeks due to a reduced staff. I bit the bullet and took it on with encouragement from members on here. The only addutional lift process, it turned out, was ensuring the front hydraulic cylinder was kept at the ride height with a ratcheting strap, and unbolting the sway bar ends from the lower control arms. The rest was the same as a non-KDSS 4R install.

So now I have the benefits of KDSS and a more leveled truck.

 

@glwood54
i made a video for that , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqhFLFITrns&ab_channel=Test

 

KDSS really shines on twisty narrow roads, especially on gravel, dirt or bad pavement. Keeps the wheels planted and max traction without any lean, which makes for a very controllable and comfortable ride. Under offroad, off camber conditions it is almost like a swaybar disconnect or removal. Nice tech. Perfect for our funky island road conditions.
Don't think I would go KDSS if I was adding lots of lift or extensive rock crawling or for purely highway use. Won't win any extra respect parked outside of the mall.

 

I bought my first 4R at the end of last Feb. Test drove 3 or 4 4R's that did not have KDSS. Then test drove one with KDSS. What a difference. No nose dive when braking and no body roll on tight turns. I would absolutely get the KDSS option again. My wife and I like exploring back country and national forests. We don't do hard core rock crawling, so lift height is not an issue. There are some specialty lift kits for 4R's with KDSS. Most do not recommend going higher that 2". My off-road premium has enough lift for me at this time, and if I were to do a lift, it would not exceed 2". If you are not intending to do a serious lift, I highly recommend the KDSS option.

Here is a great youtube link that explains how KDSS works.
https://www.autoblog.com/2020/01/23/toyota-4runner-suspension-deep-dive/

Here is a great youtube link that discusses what can be done to lift a 4R with KDSS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROJ3V1yfqLQ&t=191s

 

Cowboy59, great link TY! I am having 1.75 inch front lift done next week. Using Billstein 5100. That will remove the stock rake. I do agree with your opinion on KDSS especially on tighter turns.

 

Glad I was able to provide some assistance.

 

I think Toyota excluded KDSS from the Pro for two reasons. One, they knew some off-road guys, would want big lifts and KDSS limits that. That might put potential buyers off and send them looking to another manufacturer. Two, it gave Toyota a chance to market Fox Shocks with the Pro and charge a premium. But my guess is that the first reason was the main reason. They did not want their OP model to be seen as limited, when it came to customization.

 

KDSS does not help with nose dive.

 

I would bet money was the number one reason.

But, I get what you're saying. Although, the regular sway bars will need to be removed or altered if someone wants to go long travel or big lift as well.

There seem to be a lot people who think that you can only lift an inch or two with KDSS, but I believe some folks are running 3" no problem. And, depending on the type of off-roading, this is more than enough.

^^^^This.

It seems like some folks confuse KDSS with XREAS. What's funny is when those same people deny the value and utility of it.